AGP Executive Report

Elections & ECZ Symbols: The Electoral Commission of Zambia has ordered independent candidates to replace “candle” and other light-based symbols, saying they clash with a registered party symbol—setting up fresh legal and political heat as campaigns gear up for August 13. Constitutional Court Tension: Independent candidate symbol changes are already being framed by critics as a potential constitutional crisis, with court challenges also looming over presidential candidature. Campaign Friction on the Ground: Police in Mazabuka used teargas to stop Gary Nkombo’s campaign, citing ECZ-linked suspension of campaigns in the area. Ebola Preparedness: Government says Zambia remains on high alert despite no confirmed Ebola cases, pointing to strengthened surveillance and lab testing; WHO has also handed over Ebola preparedness supplies worth over K400,000. Local Content & Economy: Hakainde Hichilema’s government says new 2025 mining local content rules (in force from Jan 1, 2026) are boosting local supplier participation, while economists argue IMF successor talks could support further growth. Political Detention Watch: NRPUP running mate Makebi Zulu visited detained Xavier Chungu at Kabwata Police Station, renewing calls for his release. UPND vs Opposition Messaging: UPND leaders and critics traded claims over achievements and campaign direction, as parties intensify August polls rhetoric.

Election Court Battles: UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and party SG Batuke Imenda have asked the Constitutional Court to dismiss a petition challenging HH’s August 13 candidature, arguing it’s an abuse of process and overlaps with other matters. ConCourt Hearing Focus: The court is also set to hear a separate challenge to HH’s nomination process, with petitioner Charles Longwe arguing the UPND did not hold a valid convention before adopting HH. Electoral Rules & Violence: ECZ chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis urged parties to familiarise themselves with the Electoral Process Act, while ECZ reiterated it does not condone violence. Chawama Tension: Zambia Police dismissed social media claims linking a Chawama OIC transfer to recent violence, saying the statements were fabricated and the postings were routine rotations. Political Violence Probe: Police say five people were arrested after a Chawama political clash involving Tonse Pamodzi Alliance and UPND supporters, with charges including assault and malicious damage. Labour vs Politics: Tonse Alliance labour chair Chanoda Ngwira told ZCTU to stay focused on workers’ issues, not election predictions. Health Security: WHO handed Zambia $22,000 in Ebola preparedness supplies, including PPE and lab reagents, to strengthen detection and response as outbreaks continue in the region.

ConCourt Battle Over HH Candidature: UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda and President Hakainde Hichilema asked the Constitutional Court to dismiss a petition challenging HH’s eligibility, arguing it abuses court process and overlaps with other matters. UPND vs Internal Party Legal Scrutiny: The court is also set to hear a separate challenge by UPND founder Charles Longwe, who claims the party did not hold a valid convention before nominating HH. Electoral Act Sensitisation: ECZ chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis urged parties to familiarise themselves with the Electoral Process Act and the new Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026, while ECZ reiterated it does not condone violence. Chawama Violence and Arrests: Police arrested five suspects after a clash in Chawama’s John Howard Compound between Tonse Pamodzi Alliance and UPND supporters, with injuries reported and a ward office reportedly ransacked. Qualifications Challenge for M’membe Running Mate: ECZ told ConCourt that Socialist Party running mate Dolika Banda lacks an English-inclusive Grade 12 equivalent, prompting calls by the Attorney-General to invalidate her nomination. Rule-of-Law Push for Xavier Chungu: The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment demanded the immediate release of detained former spy chief Xavier Chungu, citing delays in implementing bail and re-arrest after release. Labour Voice on August Polls: ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba said the union is free to discuss what it wants from the August election outcome, insisting it remains non-partisan.

Election Politics & Party Realignments: PF strongman Given Lubinda has officially joined UPND, praising President Hichilema’s handling of the “mess” left by PF and pointing to debt restructuring as a key achievement. ConCourt Eligibility Fight: The Constitutional Court is being urged to invalidate Socialist Party running mate Dolika Banda’s nomination after ECZ says her O-Level certificate lacks English Language, a requirement for Grade 12 equivalence. Chawama Tensions: Police arrested five people after a political clash in Chawama’s John Howard Compound involving UPND and Tonse Pamodzi Alliance supporters, with reports of ransacking, theft and injuries. Rule of Law in Detention: The Kazembe Lunda Royal Establishment demanded the immediate release of former spy chief Xavier Chungu, arguing police kept him detained even after a High Court bail order and then re-arrested him on new charges. Free Education & Pensions: President Hichilema signed free education and pension-related bills into law, with claims that millions of children have returned to school since 2021 and that NAPSA changes will raise minimum pensions and improve family protection. Local Development Funding: Government released an additional K500 million CDF boost, bringing 2026 disbursements to K2.2 billion for local projects. National Memory & Burial Dispute: As Zambia marked one year since Edgar Lungu’s death, Esther Lungu’s family representatives renewed calls for closure while the burial impasse continues. International Peacekeeping: The UN honoured two Zambian soldiers who died while serving with MINUSCA in the Central African Republic.

Constitutional Court Watch: Zambia’s August election heats up as the Constitutional Court reviews whether Socialist Party vice-presidential candidate Dolika Banda’s submitted qualifications meet eligibility rules, with ECZ and the Attorney General drawn into the dispute. Local Development Funding: Government has released fresh Constituency Development Fund money—K500 million more—taking 2026 disbursements to K2.2 billion, with projects approved across all 116 local authorities. Education Reform: President Hakainde Hichilema signed the Free Education bill into law, framing it as a legal guarantee for millions of children and linking it to expanded school feeding and broader social reforms. Election Security: Inspector General Graphel Musamba directed swift arrest and prosecution of political violence offenders as police assess readiness for the 13 August polls. Political Realignment: PF faction leader Miles Sampa endorsed President Hichilema for a second term, saying it’s based on government achievements and continuity. Judicial Appointments: MAJAZ seeks to join a major Constitutional Court case on judges’ external appointments, arguing the interpretation of constitutional rules could reshape judicial service. Public Service Awards: The Ministry of Information handed out Labour Day awards to staff and ZANIS personnel, highlighting media and pension reforms.

Constitutional Court Showdown: MAJAZ has asked to join a high-stakes case at the Constitutional Court over judges’ external appointments, after former Court of Appeal judge Dominic Yeta Sichinga challenged how Article 142(6) is applied. Election Readiness: The ECZ has launched a countrywide recruitment drive for 89,370 poll staff ahead of 13 August 2026, and also sensitised stakeholders on the Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026, which extends proportional representation to local councils. Campaign Atmosphere: In Nyimba, senior citizens say campaigns are peaceful and voters can choose without fear or intimidation. Food Security & STEM: Government launched the Presidential Irrigation Initiative for Schools to boost school feeding, water management skills, and practical STEM-linked agriculture. Politics & Alliances: PF faction leader Miles Sampa endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema and says PF is withdrawing from the August 13 election. Regional Cooperation: Zambia and Zimbabwe started a pilot to install floating buoys on Lake Kariba to mark the boundary and reduce arrests and boat seizures. Tourism Push: Hichilema used ZATEX to stress tourism’s role in jobs and diversification, targeting 2.5 million visitors and $1bn revenue by 2026.

Election Court Battle: ECZ tells the Constitutional Court it received concerns from the Examinations Council of Zambia about Socialist Party running mate Dolika Banda’s Grade 12 status on May 21, but says nomination validation was already completed, leaving the process “functus officio.” Legal Accountability: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court fines former minister Chishimba Kambwili K25,000 (or seven months’ simple imprisonment) for failing to appear before immigration officers at a port of entry. Political Reform Push: President Hakainde Hichilema signs five Bills into law, including Free Education and pension reforms, with labour and education unions welcoming the changes. Election Safety Measures: ECZ launches a 2026 early warning conflict management system, letting citizens report threats via a web platform or USSD *214#. Political Landscape Watch: Gary Nkombo resigns from UPND after 25 years, citing electoral law requirements for independent candidates and alleging he is no longer welcome. National Memory & Unity: One year after Edgar Lungu’s death, the burial dispute remains unresolved, with renewed calls for the family and stakeholders to allow closure.

Bills Signed Into Law: President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to five Bills, including four pension reform laws raising the minimum pension to K2,327 and boosting benefits for about 1.2 million NAPSA members, plus an Education (Amendment) Bill that locks in free education as a legal right. ConCourt Election Challenge: The Constitutional Court set June 19 for a petition challenging Hichilema’s candidature over claims UPND failed to hold a valid convention before adopting him. ZRA vs Political Claims: Zambia Revenue Authority has dismissed social media allegations that it impounded Tonse Pamodzi Alliance trucks, saying investigations found the claims false. Kwacha Gains: The kwacha strengthened into the K17 bracket, supported by copper earnings, a projected bumper harvest, and improved debt management. Power Resilience Warning: ZESCO hinted at possible disruptions linked to El Niño and urged citizens to prepare with backup solar options, while saying load shedding won’t be eliminated. Mourning for Mpezeni: President declared June 9 a national day of mourning for Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV as his body returns to Eastern Province ahead of burial. Humanitarian Logistics: DHL launched the DHL Academy of Humanitarian Logistics to train non-profits and local responders on faster, safer aid delivery. Copper Investment Push: Vedanta’s CopperTech Metals filed for a New York IPO, with plans to fund exploration and expand Zambia’s Konkola Copper Mines.

Election Integrity & Media: Government warns the public against creating or sharing an alleged fake AI video of former President Edgar Lungu, saying it could inflame tensions and mislead voters ahead of August 13. Education & Pensions: President Hichilema is set to sign five Bills today, locking in free education and raising the minimum pension from K1,861 to K2,327, with other benefits for NAPSA members and retirees. Traditional Leadership: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s body is expected to arrive in Chipata today for lying-in-state, with leaders including Speaker Nelly Mutti praising his unifying legacy and urging people to ignore social media misinformation on funeral and succession. Copper Policy: Zambia extends the 10% export duty waiver on copper concentrates to September 30 to ease smelter maintenance bottlenecks, covering 271,742 tonnes and prioritising output over beneficiation. Court & Campaigns: The Constitutional Court sets June 19 to hear a petition challenging Hichilema’s nomination; meanwhile, Tonse Alliance postpones Copperbelt rallies out of respect for Mpezeni IV’s death. Security & Peace: Police in North-Western Province reiterate firm action against political violence and promise protection for journalists during the election period.

Constitutional Court Showdown: Zambia’s Constitutional Court has set June 19 to hear a petition seeking to nullify President Hakainde Hichilema’s UPND presidential nomination, with arguments centred on whether the party held a valid convention and whether the adoption certificate was lawful. Election Security: North-Western Province Police Commissioner Brighton Siwale warned that political violence and disorder will not be tolerated, pointing to an operational electoral security plan and urging professionalism from officers and journalists. Political Violence Warning: Police also reiterated a crackdown stance on perpetrators of political violence and public disorder as nominations and campaigns intensify. State Security Case: Former Office of the President intelligence chief Xavier Chungu has been charged with 11 offences, including alleged disclosure of classified information and seditious practices, after an arrest in Lusaka tied to a podcast appearance. Copper Policy Move: Zambia extended a duty suspension on copper concentrate exports to September 30 to ease smelter bottlenecks, allowing 271,742 tons to be exported duty-free. Ngoni Mourning Politics: Tonse Alliance postponed its first Copperbelt rallies out of respect for the late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, with campaign launch to resume after burial. Church Neutrality: Kasama Archbishop Ignatius Chama ordered priests to stop politicians campaigning or speaking during Catholic liturgies and warned against church “gifts” tied to elections. Public Health: Isoka District launched the second round of the nOPV2 polio vaccination campaign, targeting children under five. Business & Governance: Moore Global expanded into Zambia as Moore Zambia CFS in Lusaka, offering audit, tax, payroll and advisory services.

Courtroom Update: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court set July 14, 2026 for judgment in Raphael Nakacinda’s seditious practices case over allegations that President Hakainde Hichilema ordered raids on Edgar Lungu’s home. Election Law & Rights: Former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu, Liberal Democrats presidential candidate, was charged with 11 counts and is now seeking bail, arguing detention is harming his August 13 campaign and that police have delayed taking him to court. State Security Case: Human rights campaigner Brebnar Changala demanded Chungu be taken to court instead of kept in custody, warning police cells should not become prisons. Political Realignments: Two parliamentary candidates withdrew from the August 13 race, while UPP joined the UPND alliance and NCP endorsed Hichilema, adding to a fast-shifting election landscape. Economy & Markets: Kwacha continues to appreciate, hitting about K17.9 to the dollar, as Zambia’s eurobond buyback push draws fresh commentary from PwC and other analysts. Regional Governance: SADC renewed the board of the fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo, keeping Zambia’s Stanley Ndara as chair. Humanitarian & Diplomacy: A Chinese medical team donated supplies and provided free care to refugees in Lusaka ahead of World Refugee Day, while Italy urged Zambians to protect peace as the election approaches.

Constitutional Court Watch: Zambia’s Constitutional Court has set June 17 for a hearing on a petition challenging Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe and running mate Dolika Banda over alleged Grade 12 equivalency requirements, with the case filed by civil society and Isaac Mwanza. Higher Education & Public Services: Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says UNZA sanitation will not slip back, after inspecting renovated hostels and sewer systems, with maintenance models promised. Debt & Finance: PwC Zambia says the government’s Eurobond buyback of over US$1.3bn is a key step in lowering debt costs, supported by an AfDB facility and improved credit confidence. Elections & Alliances: The UPP has joined the UPND alliance, while the NCP endorsed President Hichilema for the August 13 election. Courtroom Tensions: Lusaka Magistrates’ Court set July 14 for judgment in a seditious practices case involving Raphael Nakacinda. Rights & Detention: A rights activist is demanding court access for opposition presidential candidate Xavier Chungu, arguing police have held him too long without bringing him before a judge. Regional Cooperation: Zambia calls for stronger regional disaster risk management through shared localised risk information and cross-border collaboration.

Debt & Finance: Zambia has started buying back more than US$1.3bn in Eurobonds, a move Prof. Lubinda Haabazoka says should cut future debt costs and improve fiscal sustainability. Elections & Governance: The ECZ launched its “Count Me In” voter sensitisation drive ahead of the 2026 polls, targeting women, youths, persons with disabilities and first-time voters across all wards. Public Service Delivery: Government says UNZA sanitation will not fall back to previous levels after renovations, while it also begins a K230m rural roads push in Rufunsa and Luangwa. Health & Youth: UPND says it plans to recruit over 40,000 health workers in its second term; meanwhile, Zimbabwe steps up Ebola isolation readiness, with Zambia urging regional preparedness. Land & Property Rights: The National Land Titling Programme reports 8,200 offer letters issued and 2,500 title deeds processed in Q1 2026, with more distribution planned in Kabwe. Politics & Courts: UPP leader Saviour Chishimba joins the UPND Alliance; in court matters, Chishimba Kambwili pleads guilty over an immigration charge. Security & Allegations: Police in Mazabuka report assault cases linked to Garry Nkombo, and a Socialist Party aspiring MP was arrested over a forged Grade 12 certificate.

Election Watch: The ECZ has launched its “Count Me In” voter sensitisation campaign ahead of the 2026 General Elections, urging eligible voters—especially women, youths, persons with disabilities and first-timers—to participate across all 1,858 wards. Debt & Economy: Economist Prof. Lubinda Haabazoka backs Zambia’s Eurobond buyback plan, saying repurchasing over US$1.3bn can cut long-term debt costs and free budget space. Land Reform: The National Land Titling Programme reports 8,200+ offer letters issued in Q1 2026 and 2,500 title deeds processed, with more offer letters set for Kabwe. Infrastructure: Government has started K230m feeder road works in Rufunsa and Luangwa under the World Bank-backed rural connectivity project. Education Integrity: Zambia’s election season also brings scrutiny—GTEC warns the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, urging due diligence on certificates. Traditional Leadership: Ngoni Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death has sparked succession questions, but George Zulu says no disputes are expected in the next Mpezeni process. Mining & Courts: London arbitration orders ZCCM Investments Holdings to pay Trafigura $92m in a Konkola Copper Mines dispute. Public Health: Africa CDC warns Ebola could spread further as suspected cases rise and vaccine gaps persist, with cross-border movement a key risk.

Eurobond Buyback: Zambia has launched a tender to repurchase about US$1.3bn of long-term Eurobonds due in 2053, using a US$600m African Development Bank loan plus domestic resources, as government positions the move as a liability-management step to ease future debt pressure. Elections & Inflation: The Economics Association of Zambia warns inflation could rise if elections are not well managed, even as ZAMSTATS reports May inflation easing to 6.6% from 6.8%. Traditional Leadership Truce: Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV’s death has triggered rare cross-party unity, with leaders urging calm and respect for succession as the election season intensifies. PF Fragmentation: Former Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya quits PF and signals an independent run, while PF faction president Miles Sampa withdraws from the parliamentary race after a High Court ruling. Election Media Rules: The Independent Broadcasting Authority says it has not banned political campaign songs, only issued guidance to broadcasters to avoid hate and inflammatory content. Cybercrime Crackdown: Police in Lusaka arrest a 22-year-old woman over allegedly producing and circulating obscene viral videos. US-Zambia Diplomacy: The US Chargé d’Affaires says Washington will collaborate with Zambia to advance shared interests, as Cabinet Secretary Patrick Kangwa highlights deeper dialogue, trade and investment. Sports (Local Interest): Nigeria’s Super Falcons name a 23-player squad for friendlies against Senegal, with Zambia in WAFCON Group C.

Traditional Leadership & National Mourning: President Hakainde Hichilema confirmed the death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, ending a 44-year Ngoni reign and triggering nationwide tributes for the custodian of Ngoni culture. Cybercrime Crackdown: Lusaka police arrested 22-year-old Rebecca Mulenga (Metisha Mulenga) over viral obscene videos, with charges under Zambia’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act. Elections & Media Rules: The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) dismissed claims it banned political campaign songs, saying it only issues election-content guidance to broadcasters. Debt Management: Zambia began buying back Eurobonds worth over US$1.3bn, using cheaper financing to avoid costly interest triggers and improve fiscal planning. Energy & Climate Finance: AfDB launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville targeting one million households, while reports highlight Africa’s rapid shift toward solar, wind and storage. Governance & Law: Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha urged Zambians to write wills to prevent family legal battles, as a Lusaka legal clinic offered free services. Regional Migration Enforcement: South Africa intensified checks on the N1 corridor, impounding vehicles carrying undocumented migrants.